DICK GRATTON - GUITARIST


DICK GRATTON started playing guitar in 1948 after hearing his father's extensive collection of jazz and big band recordings. Inspired by guitarists Les Paul, Gene Bertoncini, Tony Mottola and Wes Montgomery, Dick started performing in groups in high school and shortly thereafter joined a group in 1957 working New Jersey night clubs in the Trenton area and Atlantic City. Self taught on guitar and bass, Dick has performed with local jazz pianist Dick Braytenbah as well as recording artists such as Philadelphia based vocalists Suzanne Cloud, Denise Montana, Miss Justine and Connie Rainis, Trenton area jazz vocalist Wenonah Brooks, saxophonists Denis DiBlasio and Richie Cole and the late great jazz guitarist Tal Farlow. Area night club appearances include the Greenwood Grill, the Mill Hill Saloon, the Tremont Lounge, the Centre House Pub, the Urban Word Cafe, and Marsilio's Restaurant in Trenton NJ, the Nassau Inn in Princeton NJ and the Farnsworth House and Conrad's Restaurant in Bordentown NJ. Dick has also made concert performances at the NJ Mill Hill Playhouse and the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton NJ, led jazz groups at annual dinners for the American Federation Of Musicians Of Trenton NJ, performed at many of Trenton's official functions such as annual Trenton Preservation Awards ceremonies and Heritage Days Festivals, played in Bordentown NJ for annual Cranberry Festivals and Iris Festivals and performed in a six piece jazz group at the opening of the 1998 Trenton Jazz Festival at Waterfront Park in Trenton NJ with special guest Richie Cole on saxophone. Dick has played with Tal Farlow in guitar workshops in Philadelphia PA as well as night clubs in Philadelphia PA and the Jersey shore. In addition to his self-produced CD "THE GUITARS OF DICK GRATTON" recorded during the summer of 1998 at his Bordentown NJ studio, Dick is also featured on recordings of vocalist and composer John Calu, jazz vocalist Wenonah Brooks and the late smooth jazz vocalist Evelyn Anderson. He has played both concert guitar and steel string guitar on engagements.

Trentonian photo by Greg Slaboda

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT DICK GRATTON.......

"...jazz guitarist Dick Gratton, from Bordentown. I used to play jazz guitar and this was the real deal, and better yet, he took requests, including 'Waltz For Debby' and 'Manha de Carneval', two of my favorite tunes. I was hooked." - Cliff Moore, The Montgomery News - Montgomery Township, NJ - May 2, 2008

"Well known for his articulate melodic compositional interpretations, Mr. Gratton's style is much different from the prevailing atonal qualities of modern jazz guitar." - Josh Appelbaum, The Princeton Packet - Princeton NJ - June 2, 2006

"Gratton: quiet, big hands caressing and coaxing resonating notes. This is warm music. Leave the cold outside, on the streets of Trenton." - Joseph Sapia (from liner notes of the Evelyn Anderson-Dick Gratton CD "YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW ME") - October 28, 2000

"There's a subtlety to Gratton's playing that can best be appreciated in small jazz clubs..." - Richard J. Skelly, US1 - Princeton NJ - August 16, 2000

"One of Trenton's premiere jazz guitarists...a combination of Wes Montgomery, Les Paul and Tony Mottola." - Ed Ramsey, The Trenton Times - Trenton NJ - June 5, 1997

"Sort of in the Tal Farlow mold with his acoustic guitar with his own unique way of doing things. He knows a million tunes and he doesn't sound like all of the other guitarists." - Randy Sutin, The Trenton Times - Trenton NJ - December 18, 1992

"Gratton's style is laid back and articulate, the kind of mainstream jazz that retains a recognizable melody and doesn't challenge the nervous system." - Marci Shatzman, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - December 25, 1991

"...Definitely one of the guitarists you should try to hear." - Mark Stradling, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - October 26, 1986

"Dick Gratton gives one the impression that when he entered this world, he had that jazz guitar with him!" - Vic Bodine, The Trentonian - Trenton NJ - March 13, 1971

FROM A JAZZ FAN - - -

Just a quick blast to let you know just how much we enjoyed your performance last night at the Chambers Walk Cafe. Although Donna and myself are mostly familiar with the jazz style of Russ Freeman and David Benoit, we weren't prepared for last night's experience. Both of us recognized just about every piece that you played, but your arrangements were off the scale - to put it mildly!

Toward the end of the evening, when I stood off to the side watching you spin your magic, the visuals proved to be as interesting as the music. A master at work.

As I proofread this it does appear to be an exercise in accomplished smoke blowing. However, even if you were Hitler incarnate, we'd have to give the devil his due - great is great. Luckily for us, you're a good guy to know. Fifty plus years of experience without the additude that generally accompanies it.

We'll be seeing more of each other, Dick, as my schedule permits. I'm sure that your working with others should be just as entertaining as your solo performance last night.

Keep it alive my friend

Rich and Donna - (via e-mail) - June 2, 2007

For booking information call Dick at (856) 577-7812 or e-mail Dick at jgratton@earthlink.net


If you'd like to read some articles about Dick Gratton Click Here

More information on Dick Gratton is listed below - - -

Trenton Makes Jazz

Dick Gratton at All About Jazz

This is Dick's Photo Gallery.

These are Dick's Post 1998 Trenton Jazz Festival Photos.

Here are Dick's current engagements.

For a sample of Dick's music, Click Here - (From Dick's first CD "THE GUITARS OF DICK GRATTON")

To order Dick's CD "THE GUITARS OF DICK GRATTON" send $15.00 and your mailing address to Dick Gratton - P.O. Box 402 - Allentown NJ 08501. Your CD order will be sent out immediately. Evelyn Anderson's CD "YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW ME" is also available for $15.00 featuring Evelyn on vocals and Dick Gratton on guitar.

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